A People’s History of the Inland Empire Digital Archive

Items

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  Abe Romero as "El Capitan"

  For the 1933 play "EL Aguila" presented by the Redlands House of Neighborly Service, Abe Romero was cast as the character "El Capitan." El Capitan was the suitor of the heroine in the play. In this black and white photograph Romero is shown in costume at the family home on Ohio Street. On the back is written "This is my first effort."

• Romero Family at Mary Romero's Home, 1951

  Black and white photograph of twenty two members of the Romero Family at Mary Romero's home on Ohio Street Redlands. The back of the photo indicates it was taken in 1951 or 52 on Thanksgiving day. All members of the family sit or stand on the porch of the house. Rafael Gonzalez is pictured standing in the center holding his infant daughter Christina. Among the younger women and children in the photograph are Joe and Concepcion Romero's daughters and grandchildren.
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  Disneyland Festival Mexico Pamphlet

  A colorful pamphlet titled "Festival Mexico" a part of Disneyland's celebration of its 25th anniversary in 1980. The festival took place on November 15th and 16th. The green, white and red document includes a bilingual calendar of events listing all of the many performances given. St. Mary's is listed as "St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico de Redlands" and performed at 11:15 AM at the Small World Mall in Fantasyland.
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  Certificate of Appreciation presented to St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico by the Naval Weapons Center

  A certificate of appreciation given to St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico by the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California for the group's contributions during National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1977. Hispanic Week was established by legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, the commemorative week was expanded to a month (September 15 to October 15). The certificate reads "Naval Weapons Center China Lake, California Certificate of Appreciation presented to Redlands St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico "74" for outstanding contributions to the EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM National Hispanic Heritage Week during the period 11 SEPT to 17 SEPT 1977 awarded on this 13th day of December 1977." The certificate is signed by the Spanish Speaking Program Coordinator and the Deputy EEO Officer. St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico was established at the behest of parents by Petra Lopez, Mary L. Hernandez, Juan Jose Ruiz de la Torre, and Jose Pepe Roa in 1974. Originally the group was supported by St Mary's Catholic Church but later relocated to Orangewood High School. Since 1974 the group has performed across Southern California.

• St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico Certificate of Appreciation

  City of Los Angeles formal certificate of appreciation presented to St. Mary's Ballet Folkorico, a Redlands Folkorico group. The certificate reads: "City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation to St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico in appreciation and recognition for your participation in the first annual Los Angeles Family Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Foundation, Incorporated. October 17th, 1987, Tom Bradely Mayor." The certificate includes the city seal of Los Angeles and a green, yellow and red striped ribbon. St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico was established at the behest of parents by Petra Lopez, Mary L. Hernandez, Juan Jose Ruiz de la Torre, and Jose Pepe Roa in 1974. Originally the group was supported by St Mary's Catholic Church but later relocated to Orangewood High School. Since 1974 the group has performed across Southern California.
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  St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico Certificate of Appreciation

  City of Los Angeles formal certificate of appreciation presented to St. Mary's Ballet Folkorico, a Redlands Folkorico group. The certificate reads: "City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation to St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico in appreciation and recognition for your participation in the first annual Los Angeles Family Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Foundation, Incorporated. October 17th, 1987, Tom Bradely Mayor." The certificate includes the city seal of Los Angeles and a green, yellow and red striped ribbon. St. Mary's Ballet Folklorico was established at the behest of parents by Petra Lopez, Mary L. Hernandez, Juan Jose Ruiz de la Torre, and Jose Pepe Roa in 1974. Originally the group was supported by St Mary's Catholic Church but later relocated to Orangewood High School. Since 1974 the group has performed across Southern California.
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  Aurelia Ruiz Reyes Interview

  1994 interview with Aurelia Reyes. Aurelia discusses her life growing up in Redlands, California, and how the city has since changed, including the topics of discrimination, education, citrus, and local businesses.
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  Connie McFarland Interview

  1997 Interview with Connie Mcfarland. Connie talks about her experience in high school and church choir in Redlands CA.
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  Rose S. Lawson Interview

  1998 interview with Rose S. Lawson May 7, 1998. Rose S. Lawson briefly mentions her family history in Redlands and her detailed experience working in the citrus industry as a "rot girl" and a quality grader.
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  Sam Coyazo Interview Remastered

  1997 interview with Sam Coyazo. Sam speaks about his upbringing, the development of surrounding communities, his education and pleasures, his work as a packer and his military experience, and the process of "smudging" at citrus groves.
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  Blas Coyazo Interview

  1994 interview with Blas Coyazo in which he focuses on citrus/migrant labor, his military service in World War II and life in Redlands.
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  Edward Barbo Interview

  Interview with Edward Barbo, February 14, 1995. Speaks on his family arriving to Redlands, growing up in Redlands, and his military and aircraft mechanic experience.
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  Peter Martinez and Manuel Soto

  The written description on the back of the photo states, "Manuel Soto from Redlands and me with a 37 Recoillese Rifle" Far away from Redlands in Japan Martinez and Soto found each other and became good friends. Two unidentified men in the background.
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  Danny Flores, University of Redlands, Pt. 1

  Danny Flores has a conversation with Antonio Vasquez about his life growing up in Rialto, California. They discuss the 215 freeway's impact on Rialto, the Kaiser Steel Mill, and organizing during the Chicano Movement.
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  Leland Richardson

  Leland "Lee" Richardson discusses his family history from arriving in Colton to settling in Redlands and the work he and his sister have dedicated to their family genealogy. Richardson also discusses his life story, working in his father's auto garage and working in Douglas Aircraft.
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  Phil Romero with the Lincoln Float for Surrey Days Parade

  Caption given by donor Dorine Garcia "Phil Romero, and in back row left to right Florence Garcia, Nevella Riddel, and Phil Romero Jr."
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  Esteban Candelaria and Marta Park performing in "El Aguila"

  Esteban Candelaria and Marta Park dance the caballito blanco at the July 1933 performance of "El Aguila." The play featured traditional dances, music, and costumes in a courtyard setting. Marta poses with one hand in the air and another on her hip as she gazes at Esteban cast member dressed in a mariachi uniform with a large sombrero. In the early 1990s, Steve Candelaria and Margaret Park Romero reunited at an Inland Mexican Heritage event 70 years later. Although living in the same town, the dancers had not seen one another since performing in the 1930s.
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  Opening of "El Aguila"

  Written on back "Opening scene of play "El Aguila H.N.S Redlands Sept 1932" H.N.S stands for the House of Neighborly service.
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  Cast of "El Aguila"

  7 cast members from the "El Aguila" play. Margarita Park stands at the center in white, Esteban Candelaria is pictured at the far right in black and Jacinto Romero is center in costume as his character "El Padre". Three of the men are unidentified and wearing large sombreros and serapes over their shoulders. One unidentified woman wears an embroidered dress.
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  "El Aguila" Program

  A Xerox copy of the front and back pages of the original "El Aguila" program. It provides a description of El Club Dramatico Mexicano "El Club DramaticoA xerox copy of the front and back pages of the original "El Aguila" program. It provides a description of El Club Dramatico Mexicano "El Club Dramatico Mexicano was organized in February 1934. The purpose is the study and production of plays that portray Mexican life, customs, and traditions. Membership is open to Mexican residents of the community interested in any phase of the production of such plays. A board of directors has general supervision of the policies of the organization and renders decisions on questions about its welfare." Mexicano was organized in February 1934. The purpose is the study and production of plays that portray Mexican life, customs and traditions. Membership is open to Mexican residents of the community interested in any phase of the production of such plays. A board of directors has general supervision of the policies of the organization and renders decisions on questions pertaining to its welfare." The program includes the names of the cast members, the bird of directors, directors, and others who worked on the play.
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  Admission Ticket for "El Aguila"

  An admission ticket for the play "El Aguila" hosted at the Redlands House of Neighborly Service. The ticket was 35 cents and was good for September 9th and 10th, 1923.
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  Cast member of "El Aguila"

  Jose Munoz played the lead role of El Aguila in this black and white photograph he poses next to the well on set.
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  Colony to Give Mexican Drama

  A newspaper clipping that details the return of the play "El Aguila" a year after its debut. "The play, given last year at three performances in the patio of the House, has been augmented this year by additional dances, an orchestra, and several well-known singers..."
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  Honors Divided In Performance of Mexican Play

  A newspaper clipping about the "El Aguila" play. "Rich, colorful costumes, authentic music of Old Mexico played by a stringed orchestra, songs and dances by the young actors, enrich the beauty and color of the story…Residents of the city who owe so much of their heritage to Mexico will do well to attend one of the two performances."
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  Roque Sons

  Black and white photograph of brothers Ronald (age 10, center), Felix (age 9, right), and Robert (age 8, left) Roque.